You can see the adjustments in the swing, from way back in the AFL vids. He's probably taking A LOT of JD's advice to heart and emulating it to the best of his ability.
The patience he's showing in this small sample seems fantastic as well. We'll see what happens but it seems like he's cutting down on the k-rate and increasing the BB-rate. How long does it take for K-rate/BB-rate to stabilize btw?
This is a total eye test point, but I'm fairly certain I saw him lace an off-the-wall double off an up-and-in 97mph 4SM fastball, in that Blue Jays/Team Canada spring training game.
I think that's a testament to his bat-speed and should mean that he won't have too many issues translating his hitch to the upper minors/majors.
I noticed that to. There's actually a video on, Sportsnet I think, of JD teaching Alford his swing, so I think we're correct to notice that similarity.
From what I remember, Sanchez could still miss bats in the minors, despite the control issues. Also, I haven't read about it, but does his FB have good movement, or is it straight?
Well he strikes out at a 1/3 of Upton's rate, has a decent walk rate and OBP, had an above average wRC+. I could see him provide 2-3 WAR much easier than Upton.
As far as I can recall, he's the only prominent scout/analyst who's said that about Rowdy. Maybe something has changed or he's super optimistic based on the eye test?